Rudolph's is a remarkable story. Plucked from near-obscurity to be included in the senior lineup for the main event, he literally shined like a beacon in front of everyone to become an instant and very popular hero. He also became a life-member of the team and proved his worth with the cool head of a seasoned veteran. Looking back at his personal story, early troubles with authority saw him getting excluded from society and mixed up with misfits in his youth. However he never lost focus on his main goal - practising a lot during that time of exclusion - and with persistence over time and the right support around him, he also found a way to turn his life around. Yet, all through this, he always put his family first. He was added to the team's roster after a mid-year retirement, and his inclusion in the team came after the boss felt he could fill a role that was desperately needed in order to tackle the tough and foggy challenge they were going to be facing. The big, big sound that came from mighty giants leading up to this challenge also didn't seem to intimidate the unflappable hero, and pretty soon their sharp teeth had been removed. When the big moment came, he made it look easy, always composed and he continuously kept seeing gaps or opportunities up forward that others were unlikely to see. Despite all of this recognition following a successful Christmas Eve campaign, he's also quite humble about his achievements, and remains very team-focussed. Immediately after being picked for the side he said "I thought I might have been an emergency. I was happy to do that role. But then I was sat down yesterday [to be told of my selection] and I was over the moon - mixed emotions, I still can't believe it." Immediately after his very bright and utterly outstanding performance he said "It's been awesome. A good win by the boys. [I] just did the team thing," adding "all credit to the boys; a good team effort." Rudolph openly admits that flying is his favourite thing in the world. "If I'm flying local or around the world in a night, flying's flying," he said. "Flying is home. It takes my mind off a lot of things. If I'm flying, I enjoy the day." As for the tough journey he took to reach his hero status, he says "Probably the reason why I'm here doing what I'm doing is because of the obstacles I have faced in life. All the sacrifices I had to make." Having illuminated the world of his talents with a shining effort, Rudolph was signed up for the following year to continue as a senior member of the team. "Rudolph's hard work and dedication has led him to our sleigh team, and we're so proud of him for grabbing his opportunity with both front hooves," Santa said after the signing. "He had a great impact on our work that night, and we look forward to that continuing next Christmas Eve."

Rudolph the reindeer shines on his Christmas debut

Big league: Rudolph was a surprise inclusion in the team for the most important event of the year, and with a shining performance he didn't disappoint. Photo: Shutterstock.

Rudolph's is a remarkable story.

Plucked from near-obscurity to be included in the senior lineup for the main event, he literally shined like a beacon in front of everyone to become an instant and very popular hero.

He also became a life-member of the team and proved his worth with the cool head of a seasoned veteran.

Looking back at his personal story, early troubles with authority saw him getting excluded from society and mixed up with misfits in his youth.

However he never lost focus on his main goal - practising a lot during that time of exclusion - and with persistence over time and the right support around him, he also found a way to turn his life around. Yet, all through this, he always put his family first.

He was added to the team's roster after a mid-year retirement, and his inclusion in the team came after the boss felt he could fill a role that was desperately needed in order to tackle the tough and foggy challenge they were going to be facing.

The big, big sound that came from mighty giants leading up to this challenge also didn't seem to intimidate the unflappable hero, and pretty soon their sharp teeth had been removed.

When the big moment came, he made it look easy, always composed and he continuously kept seeing gaps or opportunities up forward that others were unlikely to see.

Despite all of this recognition following a successful Christmas Eve campaign, he's also quite humble about his achievements, and remains very team-focussed.

Immediately after being picked for the side he said "I thought I might have been an emergency. I was happy to do that role. But then I was sat down yesterday [to be told of my selection] and I was over the moon - mixed emotions, I still can't believe it."

Immediately after his very bright and utterly outstanding performance he said "It's been awesome. A good win by the boys. [I] just did the team thing," adding "all credit to the boys; a good team effort."

Rudolph openly admits that flying is his favourite thing in the world.

"If I'm flying local or around the world in a night, flying's flying," he said.

"Flying is home. It takes my mind off a lot of things. If I'm flying, I enjoy the day."

As for the tough journey he took to reach his hero status, he says "Probably the reason why I'm here doing what I'm doing is because of the obstacles I have faced in life. All the sacrifices I had to make."

Having illuminated the world of his talents with a shining effort, Rudolph was signed up for the following year to continue as a senior member of the team.

"Rudolph's hard work and dedication has led him to our sleigh team, and we're so proud of him for grabbing his opportunity with both front hooves," Santa said after the signing.

"He had a great impact on our work that night, and we look forward to that continuing next Christmas Eve."